Commissioners wrap up the year

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By Ashley Bergner Newton Kansan

The Kansan - Newton, KS

By Ashley Bergner Newton Kansan

Posted Jan. 2, 2013 at 4:11 PM

By Ashley Bergner Newton Kansan
Posted Jan. 2, 2013 at 4:11 PM

Newton, Kan.

Harvey County Commissioners had a full agenda Monday at their final meeting of the year, wrapping up several issues discussed in 2012.Commissioners authorized county staff to move forward with a project to replace the county's current phone and voicemail system. About $30,000 has been budgeted for the project.Anthony Swartzendruber, assistant administrator and finance director for the county, said the current system is nearing the end of its useful life, and he believes it would be more cost-effective to purchase a new system rather than to keep making repairs to the old one.The county plans to use existing phone lines and telephones when possible.Commissioners also discussed a lease agreement with WWCP Investments LLC at Monday's meeting.Harvey County Commissioners previously discussed an agreement that would enable the county and the city of Newton to split the cost of leasing a building to store law enforcement and emergency response vehicles and equipment.The 4,252 square-foot building, which is at 311 S. Meridian, Suite B, in Newton, will be leased from WWCP Investments LLC, and the lease will jointly be paid by the city of Newton and Harvey County.The monthly payment originally was $921.84, but the building's increased square footage has increased the rent slightly to $935, with an additional $121.84 for property tax. The city and county each will pay $528.42 a month.Officials recommended leasing the building due to concerns exposure to the sun and weather could deteriorate vehicles or equipment currently stored outside. There also were concerns about the security of vehicles being stored outside; fuel could be stolen from the units, or the units could be broken into.The lease will be finalized at a future meeting.Other businessAt the meeting, Jan Jones, executive director of the Harvey County Safe House, announced there would be a town hall meeting on domestic and sexual violence in Harvey County from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 8 in the Newton City Commission Chambers.State representatives have been invited to attend the meeting, and the Domestic Violence Response Team of Harvey County also will be present.The meeting is open to the community. Drinks will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch.Also at the meeting, commissioners approved a resolution changing the rates for the Harvey County Transfer Station and Construction and Demolition Landfill, effective Jan. 1, 2013.Municipal solid waste fees will be increasing by $2. County staff said the increased fees will compensate for an increase in fees for the Reno County landfill, where Harvey County transports its trash.